Members of local neighborhood watch groups listen as local public officials tout the groups’ good works during a recognition meeting Monday.

ALBANY, Ga. -- Albany City Commissioner Jon Howard offered an ominous warning to some 33 members of local neighborhood watch groups Monday morning after the groups were recognized by Dougherty County Commission Chairman Jeff Sinyard and Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard.

"If it hasn't rained on your parade, keep marching," Howard, who with County Commissioner John Hayes is an outspoken supporter of the neighborhood watch program, said. "Because sooner or later, it's coming."

Hubbard and Sinyard presented proclamations recognizing the service of 37 neighborhood watch associations in the county.

"We thank you all for what you do for your community," Hubbard said. "We're here today to show our appreciation to you and to encourage you to keep doing what you're doing."

Sinyard called the watch volunteers difference-makers.

"We're here today to celebrate you," the commission chairman said before he and Hubbard presented representatives of the various groups with copies of the joint proclamation he and Hubbard signed. "I don't think you'll find anyone who'll disagree that you folks are making a difference in your neighborhoods."

The proclamation declared Monday Neighborhood Watch Association Day in Albany and Dougherty County.

"I look around this room, and most of us are past the age of 50," Howard said. "We need to reach back and bring our young folks along, pass the torch to a new generation. If we intend to truly have what we are calling the Good Life City, it's going to take all of us."

A brunch was served to neighborhood watch participants who attended the meeting.